Take Good Care of Yourself: Lifestyle Changes that Reduce Health Insurance Costs

You would have to have been living in a cave if you are unaware of the health care reform debate that is raging throughout the United States. Congress cannot get a consensus of the length and breadth of health care to be offered to our citizens, town hall meetings have become at times a shameful display of lack of respect for those who are conducting the meetings. The influence of special interest groups appears to be pervasive and there is no simple answer on the horizon. What to do about this political quandary that is being battled on our home front almost non stop for weeks? Whether or not the proposed plan is too expensive, coverage too little, health plans not well defined, the health care debate rages on to an unknown conclusion.

As we are daily bombarded with the latest facts and figures supporting or criticizing the overall benefits of health care reform, I do not hear anyone speaking about the individual health care reform we can all initiate to reduce health care costs for each of us. No one speaks about what can be done to implement and practice consistently good health practices to keep down insurance costs. We do not need to depend upon the government to reduce our health costs. Some simple overlooked practices can be incorporated into our daily routine to offset expensive and avoidable insurance costs. The real issue appears to be health insurance reform which is an important part of health care reform. The cost of insuring a family has doubled since 1999 according the the Kaiser Family Foundation. What can we do to help reduce health insurance costs that are part and parcel of health care reform. We spend far more per person among industrialized nations with less favorable outcomes than other less developed nations. We consumers can develop healthy lifestyle changes to minimize health care costs. We have listed some ways that have definite benefits in maintaining good health and maximizing health insurance benefits.

Employer Sponsored Exercise Programs
Many companies offer exercise programs to their employees. If you are fortunate to be employed by such a company, we encourage you to take full advantage of fitness and weight loss programs. Employer sponsored programs are a worthy benefit that pay off in a healthier you, thus reducing overall health insurance costs for the company. Set up a regular schedule to use the employee gym and count your savings when compared to joining a health club. Attend health education seminars sponsored by your company or health insurance to learn about managing your health and become educated about various medical conditions and how to live with such conditions. Many insurance companies have nurses who field questions from policyholders about medical conditions and available treatments. Being informed about health and illnesses is an effective way to cut health care costs. It is not a substitute for medical care but it helps consumers to be aware of current treatment plans and medications.

Physical Exams
If you have not had regularly scheduled exams, do so. Diagnosing health problems before they become problematic is well worth the savings gained in health insurance premiums. Do not ignore symptoms that cause discomfort or you believe to be indicative of a health problem. No one enjoys going to health care practitioners but the time spent often leads to early treatment and cure. Women should at least have an annual mammogram, gynecological exam and men should not overlook prostate screenings, Diabetes screenings and a variety of other tests may be recommended by your physician.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Whether swimming, walking, playing sports, exercise is an important lifestyle change that pays off handsomely. Get rid of those extra pounds that have accumulated around your middle and those "love handles" by making a steady, consistent commitment to exercise 3-4 days weekly for at least 30 minutes. You will note the changes before long and hopefully be motivated to continue your exercise program. Remember: Don't bite off more than you can chew. Start slowly and build up your exercise regimen. You will be less likely to feel discouraged and stop your exercise plan. If you are overweight or underweight, introduce changes to your diet that will help you to achieve your ideal weight for your age group and body type. Avoid crash diets and seek the help of a nutritionist or health care provider to adapt the best dietary plan for you. Be aware that weight loss or gain is a gradual process and at times you may "fall off the wagon" but do not use that as an excuse to abandon your dietary goals. Joining a support group may be an invaluable aid to maintaining consistency and achieving your dietary goals.

Stop smoking
If you smoke, make the decision to cut down with the eventual goal of stopping. Smoking has long been identified as an unhealthy habit that can have debilitating effects upon one's health. Smoke cessation clinics are located around the country and counselors can help you to join a smoke cessation program. Another alternative is to ask your physician for recommendations about medical aids that can be prescribed to curb your desire to smoke. Non prescription aids are available too but consult your health practitioner for specific advice and counsel.

While the health care battle continues to an uncertain end, incorporating healthy lifestyle changes into our daily lives can make us all winners in the health care reform debate. Salud!